A number of studies which estimate the economic effects of wages councils have been published. They are based on differing research methods and have been conducted at different times, so their results may not be directly comparable. For this reason it is not sensible to present a range of estimates.

My right hon. and learned Friend, the previous Secretary of State, announced on 6 March 1990 that, following the last consultation exercise, the wages councils' system has no permanent place in the labour market and their operation would be kept under close review. This remains the Government's policy.